By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 December 2025 at 11:05 am
Drivers dodge garbage cans, recycling carts on windy day
Photos by Tom Rivers: It’s a bad day to be garbage day with powerful winds knocking over the recycling carts and garbage cans. Drivers needed to dodge a recycling cart and toppled cans on East Park Street in Albion.
National Grid reported at 10:45 a.m. that the number of customers without electricity in Orleans County has increased to 2,147. That was up from 564 just after 8 a.m.
The biggest outages are in the Kendall area. National Grid expects that power to be restored there by 11:45 a.m. and the rest of the county back on line by 3 p.m. today.
A high wind warning is in effect until 1 a.m. Tuesday with southwest winds at 35 to 45 mile per hour and gusts up to 75 mph.
These garbage cans blew into South Clinton Street in Albion after being emptied by Modern Disposal.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 December 2025 at 8:26 am
Provided photo: A crew works to restore electricity in Barre on Route 98 this morning around 8 a.m. This is in between the Barre fire hall and East Barre Road.
Powerful winds have knocked out electricity to 564 National Grid customers after 8 a.m. today.
National Grid said the power should be back on in the affected areas by 11:30 a.m.
A high wind warning is in effect until 1 a.m. Tuesday with southwest winds at 35 to 45 mile per hour and gusts up to 75 mph.
National Grid reports the following outages by county:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 December 2025 at 10:17 pm
Photo by Celeste Morien: This Turkey Vulture is shown in the Oak Orchard Swamps.
BASOM – The annual Christmas Bird Count that was scheduled for Dec. 29 has been pushed back a week due to the powerful winds forecast for Dec. 29.
Those winds, with gusts that could reach 70 miles per hour, make it unsafe for people to be out in the wooded areas, said Celeste Morien, the county compiler.
Last year, 41 counters found 70 species and just over 12,000 individual birds.
The Oak Orchard Christmas Bird Count began in December 1968. The National Audubon Society has been sponsoring Christmas Bird Counts since their inception.
The bird counters will instead be out on Monday, Jan. 5. They will be equipped with spotting scopes and binoculars from dawn to dusk.
The Oak Orchard count is centered on the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge at the Orleans and Genesee County line on Route 63. Count volunteers follow routes staying inside a designated 15-mile diameter circle.
National Grid is increasing staffing and extending evening and overnight work shifts as the company prepares for a severe weather system that is anticipated to begin Sunday evening and continue through Tuesday morning across Upstate New York.
Weather forecasts are predicting heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and wind gusts that could approach 70 mph.
We anticipate large portions of Upstate New York to be impacted, including the shorelines of Lakes Erie and Ontario, and the Genesee Valley, Central New York, Tug Hill, Mohawk Valley, Capital and Adirondack regions.
Additionally, the company has secured external resources to support potential power restoration efforts. The company also has activated its comprehensive emergency response plan.
Customers are reminded to keep safety a priority with the following reminders:
If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.
Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.
Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642- 4272. In a medical emergency, always dial 911.
Stay tuned to local news outlets or the National Weather Service for storm updates, weather alerts
Keep working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices.
If the power is out, use flashlights or other battery-powered lights. Do not use candles, which can pose a fire hazard.
Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power.
Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors, and others who may need assistance during an outage.
Contributed Story Posted 28 December 2025 at 1:45 pm
Playing their second game in three days, the Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina Club Hockey Knights posted their second win in a row by defeating Lancaster at home 4-0 this morning.
In the opening stanza, Viktor Snyder of Albion scored assisted by Cameron Bryer (Wilson).
Early in the second period, Clayton Wagner (Medina) gave the hometeam a two goal lead with the assist going to Blake Palumbo (Newfane).
That second period saw great defense by RBM as Lancaster had many power play opportunities, including a 5-3 which lasted nearly two minutes.
In the third, Bryer scored the final two goals, one on a power play.
Kudos to Noah Orens (Newfane) in goal for posting his second concecutive shutout.
RBM’s next contest is this Friday evening at home against Cheektowaga at 8:15 p.m.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 December 2025 at 9:34 am
The annual Kendall boys basketball Holiday Tournament will get underway on Monday as Livonia will face Northstar at 3:30 p.m. and the host Eagles will take on Roy-Hart at 6:30 p.m.
The opening round JV games will have Livonia vs. Northstar at 2 p.m. and Roy-Hart vs. Kendall at 5 p.m.
The tournament will conclude on Tuesday with the JV consolation game at 2 p.m., the JV championship game at 3:30 p.m., the varsity consolation game at 5:15 p.m.. and the varsity championship game at 6:45 p.m.
The light holiday week schedule will also have two girls basketball games on Tuesday as Medina travels to Maryvale and Lyndonville visits Alexander both at 12:30 p.m.
On Friday, the Roy-Hart girls will host Lockport at 6:30 p.m.
On Saturday, two boys basketball games are on tap with Barker at Byron-Bergen at 12:30 p.m. and Albion hosting Warsaw at 1:30 p.m.
One girls basketball contest on Saturday will have Kendall at Barker at 12:30 p.m.
Wrestling competition on Saturday will have Albion at the Salamanca Tournament and Holley-Kendall at the Perry Tournament
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 December 2025 at 8:56 am
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a flood watch and a high wind warning for Orleans County.
The flood watch is in effect from 1 p.m. today through Monday afternoon with flooding possible from excessive rainfall. The excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
The flood watch includes Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. Widespread rainfall totals of 1-1.5 inches are expected within the watch area, the Weather Service said.
A high wind warning also is in effect from 4 a.m. Monday to 1 a.m. Tuesday with southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph.
The high wind warning includes Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming and Chautauqua counties.
“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” the Weather Service said. “Widespread power outages are expected. Shallow rooted trees in a saturated ground will be more susceptible to falling. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 December 2025 at 9:15 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jim Nudd of Medina, a retired career military officer, sits at his desk at the Orleans County Veterans’ Services Agency in Albion, where he was hired as a Veterans’ Services Officer to assist director Nik Mroz.
ALBION – Soon after assuming duties as director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Service Agency in Albion, Nik Mroz realized it would be even more beneficial to local veterans to have a second person on staff to serve the veterans’ community.
“Not only is it an advantage to have a veterans’ services officer available to manage veterans’ affairs, but it is very helpful in implementing events sponsored by the Dwyer Peer-to-Peer program,” Mroz said. “And if I have to be absent, he’s a big asset to have in the office.”
And Mroz knew just who to ask to fill the position – his brother-in-law, Jim Nudd.
The office will continue to have Jackie Lonnen as a clerk, but there are certain duties pertaining to veterans’ affairs that can only be done by a person accredited by the Veterans’ Administration.
Nudd obtained that accreditation and was hired in November 2024.
A Medina native, Nudd is a son of Jan Nudd and the late Tom Nudd. He graduated from Medina High School in 1984 and immediately joined the Air Force. What followed was a 33-year career which saw him advance from airman to command chief of several bases.
“I had a lot of exposure to the military,” Nudd said. “My dad was in the Navy, my grandpa in the Army and my uncle Ralph Gottovi was in the Army Air Corps. I thought the Air Force sounded more exciting and I had signed up in December of 1983.”
His first assignment was to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for basic training, where he learned he would be a munitions systems technician.
Next came a transfer to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, where he met his wife Kristina. This was followed by orders for RAF Bentwaters in England, where he achieved the rank of senior airman. While on leave from Bentwaters, his mother bought Kristina a plane ticket to Medina and he proposed to her at Glenwood Lake. On his return to England, Kristina eventually followed him, and they were married there in 1985.
In the years which followed, Nudd continued to climb in rank, becoming sergeant while serving from 1988 to 1990 at Hill Air Force Base in Utah; deployment in Desert Shield/Storm from 1990 to 1991; obtaining rank of staff sergeant at Hill Air Force Base while serving from 1991 to 1994; becoming tech sergeant at RAF Lakenheath, UK. During that time he was also deployed several times, including Bosnia.
In 1997, Nudd was transferred to McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas until 1999, and then to the Kansas Air National Guard until 2004, during which time he obtained master sergeant, senior master sergeant and first sergeant.
Then came his first retirement, which he enjoyed from 2004 to 2006, when he returned to duty at March Air Force Base in California. In 2008 he was sent to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. For two years, followed by assignment to the Pentagon from 2010 to 2012, where he was promoted to chief master sergeant. His boss arranged for his promotion ceremony to be held at Niagara Falls Air Force Base, so his father, who was in failing health, and his mother could attend.
His next deployments were back to RAF Lakenheath and Whiteman Air Force Base in 2012 until 2016. His final duty was at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona from 2016 to 2017, where he became command chief, and then retired for the second time.
Jim and Kristina had two daughters during his military service – Kassidi, who was born during his second deployment to Hill Air Force Base from 1991-94; and Alison, who was born after he joined the Kansas Air National Guard in 1999.
As a civilian, he became an explosives safety officer for the U.S. Air Force, serving at McConnell, Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, Hill and Ramstein, Germany until 2023, when he retired for the third time and returned to Medina.
“Nik approached me and said with my experience in the military would I consider coming to work in the Veterans’ Service office part-time,” Nudd said. “I would help veterans with disability claims, burial arrangements and education questions, and I would manage the Dwyer Peer-to-Peer program and help with the van service. Nik took action to get me accredited, and I started in November 2024.”
Nudd is in the office from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 1 to 5 p.m. Fridays.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 27 December 2025 at 6:00 pm
Albion had a trio of top three place finishers at the Teike/Bernabi wrestling tournament held today at Spencerport.
Jaxson Lynch (150) finished second while Justin Mengs (110) and Stryker Sanders (118) both placed third.
The Purple Eagles also had Jackson Snook (285) place ninth and Drake Schomske (126) 10th.
Lynch pinned Carter White of Spencerport in 5:24 in the semifinals but was then pinned himself in the title bout in 3:00 by Owen Courtney of Brockport.
Mengs scored a 20-4 technical fall win over Lawson Chrapa of Lancaster to earn third place honors.
Sanders likewise notched a 16-0 technical fall win over Soe Htoo of St. Joe’s in his match for third place.
Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region
BATAVIA – Independent Living of the Genesee Region, in partnership with Batavia First Presbyterian Church, will offer a free Fair Housing presentation – “Know Your Rights” – on Wednesday, January 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The workshop will be held in person at First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main St., Batavia, with a Zoom option available for virtual attendees.
Designed for tenants, landlords, and housing professionals, the presentation will cover key fair-housing topics including emotional support animals, housing discrimination, and tenant rights, helping participants better understand protections under fair-housing law.
Advance registration is required and can be completed online. Click here for more information.
For more information or to request accessibility accommodations, contact Rebecca Batt, Program Specialist, at (585) 815-8501, Ext. 417.
About Independent Living of the Genesee Region
Independent Living of the Genesee Region is part of the WNY Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies—a peer-directed organization dedicated to breaking down barriers, promoting civil rights, and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. WNYIL achieves this through relentless advocacy, strong partnerships, impactful programs, responsible practices, and the incorporation of individual life experiences. For more information, visit: www.wnyil.org.
Contributed Story Posted 27 December 2025 at 9:29 am
The Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina Club Hockey Team traveled to Leisure Rink in West Seneca on Friday to face Bishop Timon and scored a 2-0 victory.
After a scoreless first period, a strong defensive effort turned away power play opportunites by the home team before Cameron Bryer (Wilson) scored what proved to be the game winner unassisted.
About a minute later, Max Pilon (Medina) scored an insurance goal with Ryan Felicetti (Wilson) getting the assist.
Noah Orens (Newfane) recorded the shutout in goal.
Now 2-4-1, RBM returns to action at home Sunday (after four straight away contests) to face Lancaster which brings a 2-3-2 record to Lockport for the 10:10 a.m. contest.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 December 2025 at 9:20 am
A flood watch has been issued for Orleans County from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon due to excessive rainfall with 1 to 1.5 inches expected.
The flood watch also includes Niagara, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.
The National Weather Service said excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
The forecast the next days calls for mostly cloudy today with a high near 27 and overnight low of 20.
Sunday is forecast for a high near 43 and overnight low of 32, followed by high near 49 on Monday and overnight low of 18.
Tuesday will have a chance of snow showers and high near 27.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 December 2025 at 6:06 pm
Orleans County has seen a significant spike in the number of flu cases, and statewide the number of the cases is the most since 2004 when the state started doing a weekly tracker of the cases.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reports there were 217 flu cases in the two rural counties in the week ending Dec. 20.
In Orleans, there are 196 cases per 100,000 people, according to the Health Department online flu tracker. The county’s population totals 40,343, according to the 2020 census. A week earlier, Orleans had 60.5 confirmed cases per 100,000 people.
The 196 cases in the most recent week is the third highest for Orleans County this year, topped by 196.8 for the week ending March 22, and 236.6 in the week ending March 15.
Genesee County just had the most confirmed flu cases in a week this year with 239.9 per 100,000 people for the week ending Dec. 20. (Genesee’s population was 58,388 in the 2020 census.)
That 239.9 is up from 60.4 in the week ending Dec. 13. The previous high was 233.7 for week ending Feb. 15.
State-wide there were 71,123 flu cases last week. That is up 38 percent from the previous week. The state Department of Health reports there have now been 189,312 cases of flu so far this season.
The DOH said hospitalizations from the flu rose 63 percent in the week from 2,251 to 3,666 statewide.
State health officials said flu typically peaks in January so the cases may continue to rise.
The Department of Health encourages people to get the flu shot, and take antivirals if it’s been less than 48 hours since symptoms began.
People are also urged to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
People are advised to stay home when sick, and avoid close contact with people who are ill.
Governor Kathy Hochul negotiated a chapter amendment and signed legislation that will require social media platforms to display labels warning of the dangerous impact certain features can have on young users’ mental health.
Legislation S4505/A5346, under the chapter amendment, requires social media platforms that offer addictive feeds, auto play or infinite scroll to post warning labels on their platforms. This legislation builds on the Governor’s ongoing efforts to address the youth mental health crisis statewide.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers deserve transparency. With the amount of information that can be shared online, it is essential that we prioritize mental health and take the steps necessary to ensure that people are aware of any potential risks.”
Recent studies show that adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression. About half of adolescents claim that social media makes them feel worse about their bodies, and teenagers with the highest levels of social media use are nearly twice as likely to rate their overall mental health as poor or very poor.
Consumer warning labels are already found on a variety of different products, such as tobacco, where they communicate the health risk of cancer; plastic packaging, where they communicate the risk of suffocation for small children; certain high-sugar and sodium food products, where they communicate the risk of diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, heart disease, or stroke; alcohol, where they communicate the risk of birth defects during pregnancy as well as the dangers of driving while drunk; and video games and other types of media, where they communicate the risk of flashing lights for users with photosensitive epilepsy.
To combat the mental health risks of using harmful features of social media platforms that prolong use, this legislation will require social media companies to display warning labels on their platforms when a young user initially uses the predatory feature and periodically thereafter, based on continued use. Users will not be able to bypass or click through the warnings.
Assemblymember Nily Rozic said, “New York families deserve honesty about how social media platforms impact mental health. By requiring warning labels based on the latest medical research, this law puts public health first and finally gives us the tools we need to make informed decisions. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation alongside Senator Gounardes as part of our broader effort to create a safer digital environment for kids.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 December 2025 at 12:50 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: Downtown Albion is shown on Nov. 25, decorated for the holidays. The village will see a slight decrease in the local sales tax share in 2026.
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature has set the sales tax amounts for the 10 towns and four villages for 2026, and the four villages will see a slight decrease.
Overall, the towns and villages collectively remain at $1,366,671, the same amount they have received since 2001.
Every year the Legislature does a sales tax apportionment. In the years after a census update, the county uses a formula in determining the village share by dividing the village taxable value by the town taxable value.
If a town’s taxable value increases at a higher percentage rate than the village within its borders, then some of that sales tax from the village shifts to the town.
Charts: Orleans Hub with data from Orleans County Legislature.
Next year, $887 collectively from the four villages will go to the towns. That drops the village overall amount to $386,534 while the 10 towns get $980,137.
Many of the town and village officials have asked the County Legislature to increase the sales tax sharing, but the Legislature has declined, saying the county faces its own rising costs.
Sean Pogue, the Barre town supervisor, made the latest plea to the county to increase the sales tax shared with towns and villages. Pogue, speaking during last month’s meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities, asked the legislators to unfreeze the cap to the towns and villages, so those municipalities could see an increase in the sales tax.
The sales tax has risen significantly in recent years. This year, in the first three quarters, the sales tax for the county was up 9.7 percent or about $1.6 million.
The county is on pace to take in about $25 million total this year in sales tax.
Here are the amounts of local sales tax in recent years in Orleans County, according to the state comptroller’s office:
